Shamrock Houseplant

It’s been said that shamrockswon’t grow anywhere but in the rich soil of Ireland. That may be true, but you can grow a clover that looks like shamrocks in your own home—a great accent plant for St. Patrick’s Day!

It’s been said that shamrocks won’t grow anywhere but in the rich soil of Ireland. That may be true, but you can grow a clover that looks like shamrocks in your own home—a great accent plant for St. Patrick’s Day!

The plant we commonly consider a shamrock is called oxalis, and it is related to sorrell. The small plants you see in grocery stores this time of year are Oxalis acetosella. This variety makes a good houseplant because it stays under about 10 inches tall. There are several other varieties, including some with colorful purple foliage or delicate pink flowers.

Oxalis is a bulb plant and it likes moist air and shade. If it becomes too dry or receives too much sunlight, it will need to go dormant but will come back again after a while. Oxalis is very easy to grow indoors because you have more control over temperature. Keep it in a bright location out of direct sunlight for best results. Fertilize every two weeks with a general houseplant fertilizer.

You won’t need the luck of the Irish to keep this plant alive. Oxalis, or shamrocks, are easy enough for anyone to grow.